ICRC Press Release 06/138
Geneva / Colombo - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) deplores the civilian deaths and casualties caused by an attack yesterday on Kallarvillage, Trincomalee district, and calls on both parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.
The ICRC is appalled that 4 civilians, including 1 child, lost their lives and 10 students were wounded, some of them very severely, as a result of mortar attack that hit the local school and the centre of the town.
"At around 11:00 AM, on the way from Kantaleto Mutur passing Kallar village, we suddenly found ourselves in the middle of artillery shelling", said Roberto Petronio, ICRC deputy head of sub-delegation in Trincomalee. "We saw black smoke rising from the school compound. Students were running away for safety. The civilians informed us that some wounded people needed urgent help. At the scene, we found one wounded women teacher, two boy students and one little girl who we managed to evacuate to Kantale hospital".
The ICRC urgently calls upon both parties to ensure that the civilian population and civilian objects are respected and protected in all circumstances. "The ICRC urges both parties to protect the civilian population against the effects of hostilities, we are very concerned about the consequences of the fighting in the life of civilians caught in it", said Toon Vandenhove, the ICRC's head of delegation in Colombo. In particular, the ICRC reminds the parties to the conflict to:
- Distinguish at all times between civilians and fighters
- Direct attacks only against fighters and military objects and prohibit indiscriminate acts of violence
- Take feasible precautions to avoid, or at least minimize loss of civilian life
The ICRC maintains a confidential dialogue with both parties and is closely monitoring the situation on the ground. It stands ready to protect and assist those who are not or are no longer taking direct part in hostilities by providing them with health care, shelter and other vital necessities.
For further information, please contact:
Davide Vignati, ICRC Colombo, tel. +94
11 250 33 46 or +94 77 728 96 82
Marco Jiménez, ICRC Geneva, tel. +41 22 730 24 05 or +41 79
217 32 26
or visit our website: www.icrc.org